AHL -- AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
The American Hockey League was founded in 1936 and serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League. All 31 NHL teams except the Vegas Golden Knights maintain at least one AHL affiliate, making the league the dominant talent pipeline for professional hockey in North America. The AHL operates 32 teams across two conferences and four divisions, spanning from Bakersfield, California to Springfield, Massachusetts, with a geographic footprint that covers every major NHL market. Players typically advance to the AHL after four seasons of major junior, college, or European professional experience. The league's championship, the Calder Cup — named after Frank Calder, the NHL's first president — has been contested annually since 1937. Former AHL players who reached the NHL include Connor Hellebuyck, Victor Hedman, Jonathan Quick, and more than 95% of all players who have ever played a game in the NHL.
The primary developmental league for the NHL. 32 teams across the United States and Canada.American Hockey League -- Tier 2 Professional
32 TEAMS • 2 CONFERENCES
Founded 1936 • Headquartered in Springfield, MA
Teams
32
Countries
2
Founded
1936
NHL Affiliate
Yes
Eastern Conference
Calder Cup contenders from the Northeast and Atlantic regions.
Milwaukee Admirals, Cleveland Monsters, Toronto Marlies, Laval Rocket, Rochester Americans, Belleville Sens, Hartford Wolf Pack, Springfield Thunderbirds, Charlotte Checkers, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Western Conference
Western teams competing for the Calder Cup.
Chicago Wolves, Colorado Eagles, Grand Rapids Griffins, Iowa Wild, Manitoba Moose, Milwaukee Admirals, Ontario Reign, PDX, Rockford IceHogs, San Jose Barracuda, San Diego Gulls, Tucson Roadrunners
NOTABLE TEAMS
Teams in AHL
Browse all AHL teams in the directory: see all AHL teams →